Santa Express Experience
The experience begins at the Ravenglass Railway Museum with an interactive Christmas storytelling session led by Santa's Head Elf. Families then board a narrow-gauge steam train for a scenic journey through the Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth Grotto. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy festive refreshments while children meet Santa individually to receive a gift.
What to Expect
Heritage steam train journey through Eskdale Valley to meet Santa.
Event Details
Duration
The steam train journey takes 40 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Food & Drink
Pre-order festive rolls, sausage rolls, pizza and other treats, or choose an Upgraded Seat Ticket with brunch or afternoon tea; gluten-free sandwich options must be requested and dairy-free food is available through vegan choices.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Pre-order festive treats: adult Turkey & Cranberry Sub Roll £8.50; Brie & Cranberry Sub Roll £8.50; Sausage Roll £4.00; Vegan Sausage Roll £4.00. Child Cheese & Tomato Pizza (5”) £4.00; Sausage Roll £4.00. The premium Festive Brunch / Afternoon Tea menu is included in all Upgraded Seat Tickets for adults and children aged 6 and over. – Get tickets
- Parking: There are car parks at Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations. Pay by cash or card at the machine or in the ticket office.
Tips & Advice
- Add festive food to your basket when you book online, or call at least 10 days before your visit to add it to an existing booking.
- Put any gluten-free request in the dietary requirements section when booking, because other needs beyond gluten-free and vegan can't be catered for at Christmas.
- Allow at least 30 extra minutes on top of your satnav's estimate, since local roads are slower than many satnavs expect and you don't want to miss your train.
- If you book Upgraded Seat Tickets, say whether each child wants ham or cheese and whether they need the vegan sausage roll.
- Families with pre-school children may prefer Santa's Little Helper Express on December 4 or 11, which is shorter and built around little ones.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa's Little Helper Express on December 4 and 11 is a shorter experience for families with pre-school children, booked with its own ticket.
- Upgraded Seat Tickets include a festive brunch or afternoon tea in Wakefield's Seating Area for adults and children aged 6 and over.
- Festive food can be pre-ordered as an add-on and served at your table while you wait for Santa.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the Santa Express?
Your visit starts at the Ravenglass Railway Museum, where the Head Elf leads an interactive storytelling session. Then you take a 40-minute steam train ride through the Eskdale Valley to Dalegarth Grotto. There, each child meets Santa and receives a Christmas gift.
What food can we order?
Adults can pre-order turkey and cranberry or brie and cranberry sub rolls, sausage rolls or vegan sausage rolls. For children, there's cheese and tomato pizza or a sausage roll. Food is served at your table at Dalegarth while you wait to see Santa.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Gluten-free sandwiches are available if you add the request to the dietary requirements section when booking. Dairy-free diets are covered by the vegan options. Other dietary requirements can't be catered for at Christmas.
What do Upgraded Seat Tickets include?
Adults and children aged 6 and over get a festive brunch or afternoon tea in Wakefield's Seating Area at Dalegarth. Adults get a hot drink, turkey and brie sandwiches, a mince pie, a scone and Yule log. Children get berry cordial or a hot drink, a roll, a sausage roll and sweet treats.
Is there a version for very young children?
Yes. Santa's Little Helper Express is a shorter experience for families with pre-school children, on December 4 and 11. It includes the train ride, a complimentary drink and a gift from Santa, but no museum storytelling or entertainer.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.